ByStaff |November 6, 2016

Editor’s note: This Veterans Day Voice of OC is publishing a series of plaques honoring some of Orange County’s most decorated veterans. Michael Monsoor was born in Long Beach, CA on April 5, 1981. He sacrificed his life on September 29, 2006 while protecting his fellow soldiers.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by

Act of Congress, 3 March 1863, has awarded the Medal of Honor to

Master-At-Arms Second Class (Sea, Air and Land)

Michael A. Monsoor

United States Navy

For conspicuous gallantry and an intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as Automatic Weapons Gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 29 September 2006. As a member of the combine seal and Iraqi army sniper overwatch element, task with providing early watching and standoff protection from the rooftop in the insurgent held sector of Ar Ramadan, Iraq. Petty Officer Monsoor distinguish himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element’s position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy’s initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them in a rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took a position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof while the Seals vigilantly watched for enemy activity. An insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor’s chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion on with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.